Explore every episode of the podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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| 7-Day Early Release Episodes: Neurodiversity Insider | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:00:31 | |
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| Rewiring Minds: Inside Coast Mental Health’s Brain Training Program | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:46:14 | |
Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with Janelle Peters (Mental Health Counsellor) and Amy Bujak (Social Worker) from Coast Mental Health’s Brain Training Team. Together, they explore how cognitive remediation and neuroplasticity empower individuals to overcome challenges with attention, memory, and executive functioning. From practical compensatory strategies like mental retracing and task linking, to stigma-smashing art pop-ups and the power of group connection, this conversation shines a light on how hope-based recovery transforms lives. Whether you’re neurodivergent, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious, this episode offers tools, stories, and perspectives that remind us: growth is always possible, and healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Personalized Strategies for Brain Training The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Diagnosed Late, Advocating Loud: Education Reform with Becky Bishop | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:30:33 | |
Becky Bishop’s late diagnosis fuels powerful advocacy for neurodiversity and inclusive education. Becky Bishop shares her inspiring journey from studying human geography to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusive education and neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Becky reflects on the validation and clarity this brought, alongside the grief of missed opportunities. Our conversation highlights the importance of community support for neurodivergent individuals, featuring success stories from organizations like LDS that affirm identity and reduce isolation. Becky discusses the systemic barriers neurodivergent learners face, especially the unique challenges women with ADHD encounter due to underdiagnosis and gender bias. She stresses that education is an equity issue, and personalized, neurodiversity-affirming approaches can lead to breakthroughs. The episode explores the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health, emphasizing the need to shift perspectives away from deficit-based views toward celebrating cognitive differences. Becky closes with a call to action for greater inclusivity, early skill development, accommodations, and systemic change in both educational and professional settings to dismantle stigma and empower neurodivergent individuals.
Learn, Develop, Succeed (LDS) Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Different by Design: A Journey of Neurodivergent Self-Discovery with Tamsyn Hawken | 28 May 2025 | 00:37:49 | |
How does embracing being “different by design” transform neurodivergent self-discovery and belonging? Tamsyn Hawken, a mental health mentor supporting university students across the UK, shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, autism, and ADHD diagnoses, and how being a queer neurodivergent woman shapes her unique mentoring approach. Growing up in a rural village, Tamsyn found a supportive environment but struggled with a lack of representation and understanding, which delayed her awareness of neurodivergence. She emphasizes the critical need for safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their identities, unmask, and embrace their differences, symbolized by her metaphor of a zebra among horses. Tamsyn highlights systemic barriers in academia, advocating for genuine inclusivity and cultural change. Through mentoring and developing online courses on self-advocacy, she empowers neurodivergent students to find their voice, navigate challenges with kindness, and celebrate their authentic selves. This episode offers vital insights into neurodivergent identity, community support, unmasking, and empowerment, encouraging listeners to practice self-kindness on their unique journeys.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsyn-hawken-014267191/ Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Advocacy Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Challenging Social Norms: Neurodivergence and the Power of Self-Love with Sarah Russell | 14 May 2025 | 00:16:15 | |
How does self-advocacy and compassion reshape life for neurodivergent individuals and families? Sarah Russell shares her journey with ADHD, parenting a neurodivergent child, and founding the NeuroDivergent Report. Sarah explores how sociology illuminates the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent identities, while emphasizing the power of self-advocacy and self-compassion in personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based coaching, the therapeutic benefits of art therapy for managing stress and anxiety, and the value of community support in fostering belonging. Sarah’s candid reflections offer encouragement for embracing and celebrating neurodivergence, reducing stigma, and helping others feel less alone through shared stories. Whether you’re navigating diagnosis, parenting, or advocacy, this episode provides insightful strategies and heartfelt wisdom.
https://sarruss.my.canva.site/hi
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Podcasting Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Nothing About Us, Without Us: Podcast Trailer for Real Talk | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:04:34 | |
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is launching today. It aims to celebrate and amplify the unique perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. Hosted by Paul Cruz and co-hosted by Livia Ward, Letara Couto, Karen Habashi, and Gino Akbari, the podcast explores the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of neurodiverse individuals and their families. The hosts share their experiences and insights, fostering understanding and acceptance within the neurodivergent community. Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Poetry, Neurodivergence, and Resilience with Samantha Merz | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:13:48 | |
Host Paul Cruz sits down with poet and mental health advocate Samantha Merz. Samantha shares her journey of discovering poetry at 19, how her neurodivergence influences her creative process, and how writing became a powerful outlet for expressing emotions like loneliness and resilience. From her published collections, Kazoo and Meadowlite, to her newest book, Only You Will Do, Samantha opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a neurodivergent creative. She also discusses the importance of mental health advocacy, the role of community programs like Thrive Open Door and Coast Mental Health, and how activities such as singing in a choir and playing badminton enrich her well-being. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of creativity, community, and perseverance in building a more inclusive world.
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Poetry Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Exploring Synesthesia Through Film with Nicola Rose | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:45:47 | |
Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with filmmaker Nicola Rose—an accomplished director, producer, and writer—to discuss her new feature film Magnetosphere. The film follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates her first crush, a big family move, and her unique way of experiencing the world through synesthesia, all set against the backdrop of the magical Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. With a cast including Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Debra McGrath, Tara Strong, Steven He, and breakout star Shayelin Martin, Magnetosphere brings neurodivergence to life in a visually stunning, heartfelt way. Nicola shares her inspiration for the story, her process of authentically representing synesthesia on screen by interviewing over 70 synesthetes, and the challenges of making an independent film that is both magical and deeply human.
Resources & Links Watch the Magnetosphere trailer: http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Synesthesia: The Inspiration Behind Magnetosphere Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Equity, Not Equality: What Neurodivergent Students Really Need | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:52:44 | |
Student leaders from the Neurodiversity Students Association (NDSA) at Toronto Metropolitan University — Jenna Ignaczak, Malka Finkelstein, and Maddie Sardone — discuss what it truly means to be a neurodivergent student in post-secondary education today. Together, they share stories of inclusion, moments of isolation, experiences with ableism, and insights into how universities can better support neurodivergent students. The conversation dives into policy challenges, mental health, masking, equity vs. equality, and the importance of community. Whether you’re a student, educator, ally, or policymaker, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and motivated to advocate for a more inclusive future in higher education. Quotes to Remember: “It’s not about equality, it’s about equity.” – Malka
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity in Education Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Designing for Every Mind: Education Reform with Angus Chan | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:52:38 | |
Angus Chan turned his early academic struggles into a mission to redesign education for everyone. Angus Chan shares his deeply personal journey through higher education as a neurodivergent student and how those early struggles shaped his commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational reform.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone working toward a future where neurodiverse learners are not just supported, but celebrated.
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| From Insight to Action: A Trailer on Neurodivergent Leadership | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:02:14 | |
We explore the intersection of leadership, inclusion, and informed decision-making within higher education. Building on our previous conversation with Dr. Craig Wells — where we unpacked self-discovery and communication in neurodivergent experiences — this episode shifts the lens to institutional systems.
This thoughtful conversation is ideal for educators, administrators, advocates, and anyone interested in reshaping higher education through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. New episode drops on Monday, August 4, 2025!
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. | |||
| Unmasking to Heal: Neurodivergent Living with Dr. Craig Wells, D.O. | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:45:58 | |
Healing begins with self-discovery, and unmasking may be the most powerful step of all. Dr. Craig Wells, D.O., explores the complex realities of neurodivergent living, emphasizing the lifelong journey of self-discovery, healing from trauma, and reclaiming personal identity. Drawing from his lived experience and professional practice, Dr. Wells discusses how effective communication, intentional parenting, and burnout recovery can transform the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families. He introduces Connection Craft, a relationship-centred program designed to help people cultivate meaningful, supportive connections rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices. The conversation also touches on the role of spirituality in navigating societal pressures and the power of myth-busting to understand the real strengths and capabilities of neurodivergent people. If you're seeking insight into autism, ADHD, trauma recovery, parenting, or neurodivergent identity, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering perspective.
Website: https://www.connectioncraft.org Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Neurodivergence: A Personal Journey Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Living with ADHD: Grace, Not Guilt with Emily Fitzpatrick | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
Can we live with ADHD and still choose self-compassion over shame? Emily says yes. Emily Fitzpatrick, a CBC video journalist, candidly shares her personal journey with ADHD and broader neurodiversity. She explores how embracing self-awareness and choosing grace over guilt transformed her relationships, workplace experiences, and mental health. Emily reflects on the challenges of a late diagnosis, the impact of executive dysfunction and rejection sensitivity, and how these shaped her path toward authentic living. She also discusses the power of advocacy—both personal and community-based—to reduce stigma and foster acceptance. Platforms like TikTok have played a surprising role in spreading neurodivergent voices and creating supportive networks. This episode offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone navigating life with ADHD or seeking to better understand neurodiversity in themselves or others.
Emily Fitzpatrick on CBC News YouTube video "Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult": https://youtu.be/-UArVKyH4fQ?feature=shared Emily Fitzpatrick is an Edmonton-based mobile journalist, or MOJO for short. She has covered a wide range of stories, focusing on human interest, community, and mental health. She has spent the last decade working at CBC Edmonton, reporting for web, radio, and television. Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Living Authentically: Redefining Autism and Success with Becca Lory Hector | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:47:52 | |
Becca’s late diagnosis sparked a powerful journey of advocacy, identity, and authentic living. Becca Lory Hector reflects on how her late autism diagnosis at 36 transformed her life and deepened her commitment to advocacy amid today’s challenging political climate. She discusses the pervasive stigma and ableism that create barriers in professional and social spaces, and why inclusive environments are essential for genuine belonging. Becca shares insights from her Self-Defined Living Course, designed to help autistic individuals reclaim their identities and create fulfilling lives beyond traditional measures of success and quality of life. She emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, leadership development, and prioritizing self-exploration for newly diagnosed neurodivergent people. This conversation is a vital resource for anyone seeking to embrace differences, overcome systemic bias, and thrive authentically in the autistic community.
Website: https://beccaloryhector.com Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Resilience, Creativity, and Advocacy with Michelle Steiner | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:33:58 | |
Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari interview Michelle Steiner, a writer, photographer, paraeducator, and disability advocate who lives with an invisible disability. Despite being told what she couldn’t do, Michelle has forged her own path—earning her degree, publishing widely in outlets like The Mighty and Word Gathering, and building a career supporting students with disabilities. Through resilience, creativity, and self-advocacy, Michelle has challenged misconceptions and continues to inspire others to embrace their strengths.
“Just because people can’t see my disability doesn’t mean it’s not there.” “I did it afraid. And when I started focusing on what I could do, I began to see success.” “Having a disability isn’t a weakness—it can become a strength.”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Invisible Disabilities 04:46 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges 08:05 Education and Advocacy in Disability 09:53 The Role of a Paraeducator 11:34 Writing as a Form of Expression 15:23 Photography and Perspective 17:40 Challenging Misconceptions 19:40 Supporting Students with Disabilities 21:22 Empowerment and Personal Growth 23:25 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 24:39 Relationships and Acceptance 28:32 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems 31:57 A Vision for an Inclusive World 33:16 Engagement and Community Building Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Building Sensory-Safe Spaces with Cynthia Miller-Lautman | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:40:48 | |
In this episode, Paul speaks with occupational therapist Cynthia Miller-Lautman, whose work bridges sensory science and neurodiversity-affirming practice. From creating sensory-safe spaces in schools and clinics to reframing “behaviours” as communication, Cynthia shares decades of wisdom shaped by her clinical work, her family life, and her collaborations with educators and parents. Together, we explore the eight senses, how to set up simple but powerful microsensory safe spots at home or in classrooms, and why sensory tools must be seen as supports—not rewards. Cynthia also shares practical strategies for parents, teachers, and therapists to stabilize regulation and reframe challenging behaviours with empathy. Guest: Cynthia Miller-Lautman – Occupational Therapist, Educator, and Host of Swinging Upside Down Key Quotes
Resources & Links
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sensory Science and Neurodiversity Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| “Share Your Voice” Late diagnoses, Lifelong clarity: Stories from Gabe & Stacey | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:07:21 | |
In this “Share Your Voice” episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul welcomes Gabe Galand and Stacey Smith — two individuals who found clarity and self-acceptance later in life through their ADHD and autism diagnoses. Gabe, a producer from Vancouver who grew up in France, shares how years of being misunderstood shaped his sense of self — and how an ADHD diagnosis at 29 helped him rewrite his story. Stacey, diagnosed autistic at 35, reads a heartfelt letter to her younger self about masking, sensory overwhelm, and learning to give herself grace. This episode is a reminder that every voice matters — especially the ones that have been quiet for too long. Memorable quotes
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Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||
| Exploring the Autism Cascade Hypothesis with Scientist Sinem Berthier | 27 Sep 2025 | 00:18:17 | |
Hosts Paul and Gino sit down with scientist and independent researcher Nuriye Sinem Berthier. With a rich background in chemistry, pharmacology, genetics, and biochemistry, and personal experience as a parent navigating autism, Sinem offers a unique lens on child development, neurodiversity, and the microbiome. She introduces her Autism Cascade Hypothesis, highlighting how early-life environmental factors—including birth method, feeding choices, and gut health—may influence neurodevelopment and a proposal that connects diet, immune function, and brain development. It’s not a proven theory, but it’s an example of how science is trying to map complex biological pathways rather than single causes. To further explain, imagine a row of dominoes: a certain milk protein gets broken down into a peptide, which might affect the gut and the brain’s protective barrier, leading to inflammation, and — in some individuals — changes in brain development. That’s the ‘cascade’ this idea is trying to describe. It’s still hypothetical — a chain of maybes, not certainties — but it’s fascinating because it tries to connect dots across biology, diet, and development. Autism is multi-factorial — genetic, neurodevelopmental, sensory, and environmental factors all intertwine. The Cascade Hypothesis is one of several emerging models that explore how biology and development might interact, especially early in life. Understanding biology doesn’t mean we’re trying to ‘fix’ autism — it means learning more about how diverse brains develop. Insights from models like this could improve support, reduce distress, and honor neurodivergent experiences.
How do we balance curiosity about emerging science with respect for lived experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts — send us your reflections at neurodiversityvoices@icloud.com Connect With Nuriye Sinem Berthier LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sinem-berthier Orcid Account: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5840-7957 Journal Articles: 1. Proposing the Autism Cascade Hypothesis: A Novel Mechanistic Framework Linking Dietary Peptides, Neuroimmune Activation, and Developmental Timing. https://zenodo.org/records/17007271 2. Cascading Pathways in Autism: A New Clinical Lens on Early Pediatric Intervention. https://zenodo.org/records/17019400 Connect With Us
Share Your Voice Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ | |||